Anger over council's decision to build 'mansion' for mother of 11

Campaigners have criticised a decision by Tewkesbury Borough Council to provide a mother of 11 with a purpose-built six-bedroom "mansion" near Gloucester. Unemployed Heather Frost, 36, currently lives in two houses knocked together in Churchdown but says she needs a more suitable home.

To solve her housing problem, the council sold a plot of land a housing association. It will build 13 houses on the land, one of which will have six bedrooms and be allocated to Ms Frost. Her current home will be re-allocated to two families.

The TaxPayers' Alliance, criticised the decision.

It's scandalous that so much time and taxpayers' money is being spent on one custom-built mansion," he said. "Many people can't afford to buy their own home, but have to opt for what their budget allows.

"Benefits are there to help those who need support, not subsidise a lifestyle that most people paying for them could not afford themselves.

– Robert Oxley, TaxPayers' Alliance

Derek Davies, lead member for built environment at Tewkesbury Borough Council, said:

We have a duty to provide appropriate accommodation to people who are at risk of homelessness. Ms Frost's family has been living in temporary accommodation, consisting of two houses, for a very long time because there have been no other suitable properties available. This is an excellent example of the council working in partnership with registered providers, using public land to develop more affordable housing in line with Government policy.